Chelsea are frontrunners for the signature of RC Strasbourg defensive sensation Guela Doue, who could cost £20-25 million.

Chelsea are looking to further strengthen their backline. The London club are looking to sign another right-back, given skipper Recce James’ injury track record. According to a report from Football Insider, the London club are interested in acquiring the services of Guela Doue.

With James struggling to stay fit and Malo Gutso not living up to expectations, Chelsea are pushing hard to bring in another right-sided full-back. They have decided to ramp up their efforts to sign Doue, who is also on the wishlist of Aston Villa.

Doue’s sensational rise at Strasbourg

Doue has only gone from strength to strength since joining Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg, from Stade Rennais in the summer of 2024. His performances have attracted interest from the London club, whose scouts are often present in the stands to watch their players who are on loan at the French club.

The scouts have been quite impressed with what they have seen from the 23-year-old. On the back of their reports, Chelsea will continue to monitor the Ivorian international, and they could soon launch a move for him.

Aston Villa are also keen on his signature, as Unai Emery wants to further strengthen his backline. While they continue to keep tabs on him, Chelsea are believed to be the front-runners. The Blue Co. multi-club ownership connection between the two clubs certainly gives the Premier League giants a massive advantage.

Chelsea frontrunners to sign Doue

While speaking about Doue’s future, Pete O’Rourke said: “Obviously, Chelsea are probably frontrunners due to their relationship with Strasbourg as both clubs are owned by Blue Co.

“So, that might give Chelsea an advantage in the pursuit of Doue as they have done before in the past, signing players from Strasbourg and some Chelsea players going out to the French club as well.

“You’re probably looking between £20-25million for Doue in his current form. He’s under contract with the French club until 2029, so they’re under no real pressure to sell him just now as well.”

With his contract running until 2029, the French club are under no pressure whatsoever to negotiate his potential departure. But if Chelsea decides to make a move for him, Strasbourg could consider letting him leave for £20-25 million, given the kind of form he has been in of late.

The 23-year-old has had an impressive start to the season with four goal contributions in his five league outings. If he continues to perform in a similar fashion, he could certainly have a big decision to make in 2026.